PHOENIX - Celebrity Chef Scott Conant, the culinary inspiration behind two of Arizona’s most popular restaurants, and Creation Hospitality, the restaurants’ owners, have announced a transition in leadership at The Americano in Scottsdale and Mora Italian in Phoenix. The restaurants will remain true to their original concepts under the new leadership of Chef Beau MacMillan, one of Arizona’s most notable and well-respected chefs and a fellow Food Network regular.
MacMillan is collaborating with Creation Hospitality, a division of Phoenix-based Creation founded by David Sellers and Bob Agahi, on all three of their original concepts, including the soon-to-open underground craft cocktail and live music lounge Tell Your Friends, which will make its debut under The Americano May 18. Meanwhile, Conant will remain at the helm of The Americano by Scott Conant in Atlanta, an Italian steakhouse at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel.
“I’m confident in handing over the reins to Chef Beau, knowing that the dining experience will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of those who have come to know and love these very special restaurants,” said Conant.
Conant confirmed that he and his family will continue to live in Scottsdale while his future culinary adventures take him to other regions around the nation and abroad. While not disclosing immediate plans, Conant says he’s focused on new concepts to serve the rapidly evolving tastes of culinary consumers and diners.
“Scott has been a longtime friend, and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for him,” said MacMillan. “I’ve been a huge fan of both restaurants since they opened – The Americano is two minutes from my house, and I’m always there. Mora has an unbelievable vibe and energy. I can’t wait to dig in and establish relationships with the guests and the talented teams that illuminate each restaurant. In my expanded role with Creation, I look forward to the opportunity to amplify two already successful restaurants even further.”
MacMillan currently operates the popular Cala at Scottsdale’s Senna House, which he and partners Clive Collective opened in 2022, featuring modern coastal cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean. Before that, he was the executive chef at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and its signature restaurant, Elements, for over twenty years. MacMillan’s ingenuity in the kitchen is stimulated by the belief that food should not be overworked but rather appreciated for its simplicity and natural perfection. As a result, MacMillan’s innovative seasonal menus focus on fresh, local ingredients procured from a network of artisans and organic farmers.
Scott Conant has continued to expand his brand through acclaimed restaurants, cookbooks, and television shows from the time he opened L’Impero in New York City in 2002, which was awarded Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation. He is known to fans worldwide for his Food Network appearances, including more than a decade as a judge on “Chopped.” His most recent cookbook, “Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen,” was published in 2021.
For more, visit TheAmericanoRestaurant.com or MoraItalian.com.
About Creation
Creation is a rapidly growing, versatile firm involved in real estate development, hospitality brand inception and alternative investments. Founded by David Sellers and Bob Agahi, the company has a current pipeline of over $4.5 billion of ground-up developments across six states. Operating at the industry’s highest standards, Creation is experienced in every facet of the development process with all services expertly handled in-house including purchase, entitlement, design, construction and sale. Creation Ventures, the firm’s alternative investment platform, has co-founded four companies since 2015 and participated in the funding of more than 90 burgeoning technology startups across the country. With dual headquarters in Phoenix and Dallas, Creation has landed on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in America. For more, visit CreationEquity.com.
SC Culinary Inc.
The name Scott Conant is synonymous with excellence in Italian cuisine and service, reflected in his welcoming public persona and cooking expertise. His restaurants have always been dedicated to old-world hospitality and outstanding food, showcasing the quality and taste of every ingredient as they work together to create a symphony of flavors. His track record is a testament both to his versatility as a restaurateur and commitment to creating memorable dining experiences. His partnerships embody the three tenets of all of his projects – honesty, integrity, and soul – the pillars of his brand. Conant is equal parts chef, food entrepreneur and tastemaker, his casually elegant personal style making him an authoritative voice on everything from home kitchen design and travel to sartorial choices. ScottConant.com.
